In the 21st century classroom students are linked together not only in the material world, but also in the digital world. They are probably members of a number of social networking sites, connecting them to a large and varied social group. Teachers are also developing online identities, with accounts on websites like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Since these online social networks are often used on a daily basis they can be a great platform for learning and sharing ideas.

Students are often discouraged from interacting with social media during class time. However, if used smartly the networks formed with social media can facilitate learning, both in formal and informal education environments. Read the rest of this entry »